Guy Fawkes
English Catholic conspirator in the failed Gunpowder Plot.
Guy Fawkes (13 April 1570 – 31 January 1606), also known as Guido Fawkes while fighting for the Spanish, was a member of a group of provincial English Catholics involved in the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. He was born and educated in York, and after converting to Catholicism, fought for Catholic Spain in the Eighty Years' War. He is best known for being caught guarding explosives beneath the House of Lords, an act that led to his execution and the annual commemoration of Guy Fawkes Night.
- born
- c. 13 April 1570, York, England
- died
- 31 January 1606, London, England
- field
- Soldier, conspirator
- nationality
- English
- known_for
- Gunpowder Plot of 1605
Lore & Background
Guy Fawkes was born in 1570 in Stonegate, York, the second of four children. His father died when he was eight, and his mother later married a recusant Catholic. Fawkes converted to Catholicism and left for mainland Europe, where he fought for Catholic Spain in the Eighty Years' War against Protestant Dutch reformers. He travelled to Spain to seek support for a Catholic rebellion in England without success. He later met Thomas Wintour, with whom he returned to England, and was introduced to Robert Catesby, who planned to assassinate King James I and restore a Catholic monarch.
Reader's Guide
The Gunpowder Plot, in which Fawkes was a central figure, aimed to blow up the House of Lords during the State Opening of Parliament. The plot was foiled when authorities, prompted by an anonymous letter, searched Westminster Palace and found Fawkes guarding the explosives. He was tortured and confessed. His execution on 31 January 1606 was notable because he died when his neck was broken as he was hanged, possibly by jumping deliberately, thus avoiding the full agony of being drawn and quartered. The failure of the plot is commemorated annually in the UK on 5 November as Guy Fawkes Night, when his effigy is traditionally burned on a bonfire, commonly accompanied by fireworks. Fawkes became synonymous with the plot, and his name endures as a symbol of rebellion.
Did You Know?
- Fawkes was baptised in the church of St Michael le Belfrey, York on 16 April 1570.
- He adopted the Italian name Guido while seeking Spanish support for a Catholic rebellion.
- He was described by a former school friend as 'pleasant of approach and cheerful of manner'.
- At his execution, he died when his neck was broken as he was hanged, possibly by jumping deliberately.
Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)
"A desperate disease requires a dangerous remedy." — Guy Fawkes "... to blow you Scotch beggars back to your native mountains." — Guy Fawkes "Traditional rhyme recited on Guy Fawkes Night, the 5th of November, when effigies of him are traditionally burned." — Guy Fawkes "Remember, remember, the fifth of November,The Gunpowder Treason and plot.I know of no reason why the Gunpowder TreasonShould ever be forgot." — Guy Fawkes
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